The French Way - From Astorga
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The French Way > The French Way - From Astorga
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The French Way or Camino Francés from Astorga is a sub-variant of the full French Camino that starts from Saint Jean Pied de Port. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the most popular route, in a slightly shorter format, but still reaching your final destination: The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The roads to Santiago de Compostela are many, but the French Way is one of the oldest and most popular. No matter where you start, it is bound to take you through beautiful locations that serve as your perfect off-beat adventure.
3/5
Difficulty
Astorga
Start
254 Km
Distance
12
Nights
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Favourable months to travel
Peak season
Shoulder season
Off season
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BASIC PACKAGE
LUXURY PACKAGE
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This package includes:
Nights in hostels and rural houses with breakfast
Travel
insurance
24h assistance
Room with private bathroom
Welcome pack with digital credential
Route itinerary
Free cancellation
up to 15 days before
This package includes:
All the basic package services
Luxurious accommodations
Instead of hostels and rural houses
Transfer to hotel
In case accommodation deviates
slightly from your itinerary
You deserve a break, enjoy it in the best way possible.
Walk the same route but with better accommodations thanks to our selection of high standing hotels.
Read more info about our accommodations and how our team handpicked the best venues.
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Itinerary
Stage 1
Astorga - Rabanal del Camino
19 km
You first start by entering the La Maragatería region through the French Route. You will experience a blend of unique architectural styles and local culinary delights. A possible sidetrack to explore is Castrillo de los Polvazares, a village noted for its traditional Maragato architecture and designated as a Historic-Artistic Site.
Passing through the ancient town of Santa Catalina de Somoza leads to Rabanal del Camino, where notable sights include La Asunción church and the Cuatro Esquinas house. Legend says that that is where King Philip II stayed during his 16th-century pilgrimage to Santiago.
Stage 2
Rabanal del Camino - Ponferrada
32 km
The journey from Rabanal del Camino involves ascending the Leon mountains, reaching over 1,400 meters at Cruz de Ferro. This segment presents a challenging climb although it becomes flatter near Ponferrada, despite steep descents.
Post-Cruz de Ferro, travelers reach Ponferrada—a city with deep historical ties to the Pilgrim Route since the 11th century—boasting significant cultural and religious artefacts like the Templars’ Castle and San Andrés’s baroque church.
Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo
Stage 3
23 km
Departing from Ponferrada’s cityscape, this stage transitions into the scenic el Bierzo region highlighted by expansive orchards and vineyards leading up to the medieval town of Villafranca del Bierzo.
Dominated by an ancient feudal castle, its historical district is recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest while its significant role on the Jacobean route has turned it into a key destination.
Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro
Stage 4
28 km
This stage is a little strenuous as it traverses a mountain pass with considerable incline, notably between Hospital and La Faba. It concludes at O Cebreiro in Os Ancares Lucenses—a stunning natural area declared a Biosphere Reserve—and marks Galicia's entrance on the French Route.
Highlights include tales of O Cebreiro’s miracle and panoramic views from the pilgrim woman statue at the village lookout.
O Cebreiro, Spain
O Cebreiro - Triacastela
Stage 5
21 km
The path from O Cebreiro to Triacastela is marked by fluctuations in elevation. We advise pacing yourself to fully appreciate its vistas. Triacastela itself presents archaeological interests derived from its three notable castles whence it gets its name.
Triacastela - Sarria
Stage 6
18 km
This leg offers an enjoyable trek through countryside settings, woods, and valleys until reaching Sarria—a preferred starting point for many due to being just right distance-wise for validating their pilgrimage. It is a requirement that a pilgrim walks the last 100 KM in order to get a validation that they have completed the pilgrimage to the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. Since Sarria lies roughly 100KM away, it offers as the perfect starting point.
We offer Caminos from Sarria as well. Click here to check them out.
To check out our other Caminos such as Portuguese Way (Camino Portuguese) and The English Way (Camino Ingles), click here.
Sarria - Portomarín
Stage 7
22 km
On this stretch, you will traverse scattered slopes accompanied by rural Galician landscapes filled with oak groves. On your pathway you'll encounter Romanesque ruins among other historical features, offering plenty to admire.
Portomarín - Palas de Rei
Stage 8
25 km
This stage is characterized by tracks running alongside roads and walkable asphalt paths for pilgrims; this stage includes several attractive spots like Os Lameiros crossroads or Castromaior’s archaeological site amid quaint village settings.
Palas de Rei - Arzúa
Stage 9
29 km
Approaching Arzúa signifies nearing journey's end on the French Way. This part requires careful consideration with multiple ascends and descends across less maintained paths—it's advised possibly halting midway for refreshment in Melide.
This zone also brings rich historic encounters such as meeting the pilgrims from the Primitive Way or Camino Primitivo, which is a camino route that starts at Oviedo.
Arzúa - Pedrouzo
From Arzúa to Pedrouzo challenges are minimal along forested tracks through woodland areas providing serenity. However, caution is urged specially when navigating frequent crossings over N-547 road which is prone to heavy traffic.
Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela
The final segment of our French Way is an easy stroll through aromatic eucalyptus forests, leading up to Monte do Gozo. From this vantage point, you can catch a glimpse of the Santiago Cathedral in the distance. Santiago de Compostela, a city designated as a World Heritage Site. The grand cathedral is where the revered remains of St. James the Apostle are enshrined.
Congratulations!
Stage 10
Stage 11
19 km
18 km
Frequently asked questions
Q
What is the distance from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino Francés?
The distance from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino Francés is approximately 254 kilometers.
Q
How long does it typically take to walk from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Francés?
The average time it takes to walk from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Francés is around 12-14 days, depending on individual walking pace and rest days.
Q
What are some notable towns and landmarks along the Camino Francés between Astorga and Santiago de Compostela?
Notable towns and landmarks along the Camino Francés between Astorga and Santiago de Compostela include Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Sarria, and Portomarín.
Q
What types of accommodations are available for pilgrims between Astorga and Santiago de Compostela?
Accommodations along the Camino Francés between Astorga and Santiago de Compostela range from albergues (hostels) to hotels, guesthouses, and rural accommodations, providing options to suit various budgets and preferences.
Tips
"Our family had an unforgettable experience with Welcome Camino! It was the perfect way to explore northern Spain and truly embrace the magic of the Camino de Santiago."
Carmen & Cristobal